DEL RIO – The Cardiology team which includes several MD doctors: Stephen Korte, Abraham Jacob, and Melinda Martinez a nurse, were introduced last week at Val Verde Regional Medical Center’s Meet and Greet Cardiac Service Providers. The M&G took place in the VVRMC lobby.

VVRMC Public Information Officer, Angela Prather, introduced Martinez, a 20-year employee nurse, who was excited to be a part of the cardiology team.

“I am thrilled that we now have a cardiac rehab right here in Val Verde Medical Center.” “Now our patients can get the care they need to grow stronger and increase their dependence here and at home, ” said Martinez.

The second individual, was Dr. Jacob who had worked at big hospitals in Plano, Texas and the Dallas VA Hospital; but his heart was “to serve small communities and that’s what made me come here,” said Dr. Jacob.

Jacob spoke earlier in the day to the Lions Club, educating them on how to recognize heart disease, what are the risk factors that we can change, such as cutting smoking, heating healthy and also tell their doctor if they are experiencing any serious issues. Dr. Jacob joined Regional Medical Center two years ago this past January.

And the third member of the team, Dr. Korte stated things that shorten lives which are easy to treat, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, the treatment costs are low, but the benefit is massive.

“You can modify diet and activity and use relatively low-cost medications to expand their lives, reduce complications, such as losing limbs, heart, kidneys, etc.” “The number one healthy diet that will extend your life is called the Mediterranean Diet,” said Korte.